Charged with Assault by Auto? Understanding DUI with Injury in New Jersey - Rachel Kugel

From The Kugel Law Firm – Charged with Assault by Auto? Understanding DUI with Injury in New Jersey explores the severe legal consequences individuals face when a DUI leads to injury. This episode unpacks how a seemingly routine impaired driving charge can quickly escalate to a felony under New Jersey law. With real-world context and clarity, it highlights the implications of being charged with Assault by Auto, especially when someone is hurt in an accident.

We delve into the legal definition of Assault by Auto under N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1(c) and how prosecutors use DUI status as automatic proof of reckless driving. Even minor injuries, like bruises or soreness, can elevate a DUI into a fourth-degree criminal offense, while serious bodily injury—such as brain trauma or spinal damage—can push the charge into the realm of second-degree felonies. In these cases, mandatory sentencing laws like the No Early Release Act (NERA) require those convicted to serve at least 85% of their term.

Listeners will gain insight into how legal defense strategies can challenge these charges. From disputing field sobriety tests and breathalyzer reliability to analyzing crash reconstruction and medical reports, The Kugel Law Firm explains how timing, evidence, and case strategy can be critical in reducing or dismissing charges. The presence of another negligent driver or conflicting medical claims can play a pivotal role in shaping a defense.

Finally, the episode emphasizes the lasting consequences of a conviction: potential jail time, license suspension, fines up to $15,000, ignition interlock devices, and a felony record that can limit housing, employment, and immigration status. With prosecutors aggressively pursuing DUI with injury cases, The Kugel Law Firm offers a powerful reminder—legal representation isn't just helpful; it’s essential when your future is at stake.

The Kugel Law Firm

1 Gateway Ctr # 2600, Newark, NJ 07102, United States

(973) 854-0098

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